Elkins Welcomes New WVU President, Celebrates Two Years of Ascend WV Success
ELKINS, W.Va. — August 1, 2025 — Today, City employees joined local organizations—including the Augusta Heritage Center, Elkins Area Shared Trails, 4-H, the Randolph County Development Authority, and the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber—in welcoming WVU’s new president, Dr. Michael T. Benson, during his 18-county tour of West Virginia. Dr. Benson says he plans to visit every county in the state over the coming months.
During the meet-and-greet, the City presented a proclamation to WVU, the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and Ascend WV, thanking them for selecting Elkins as one of the five Ascend WV communities. This month marks two years since Ascend Greater Elkins began attracting remote professionals to the area.
According to Ascend WV, this is a snapshot of what has occurred since Elkins opened its doors to Ascend WV:
- The program has received more than 10,700 applications from prospective residents
- Welcomed 57 Ascend Members (and their families), totaling 112 new residents in Elkins
- Witnessed relocations from 23 states, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Texas
- Welcomed back the 11% of members who were born in West Virginia; 89% are experiencing the Mountain State for the first time
- 16% are small business owners or self-employed, thereby doing their part to boost the local economy and tax base
- 30% have purchased homes
- Ascend members have attended almost 300 local events organized by Ascend or in partnership with various community groups
- A 98% retention rate
- Two newborns (plus one born just before relocation!)
Learn about Ascend WV here: https://ascendwv.com/
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Elkins, W.Va. — August 1, 2026 — The City of Elkins thanks local community groups and residents for their support for our neighbors in Upshur and Lewis Counties. We are deeply grateful for their generosity. Elkins Water Department is Hiring! The City […]
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Build a Career with Elkins Water Department – Water Technician Openings (Level I, II or III)
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 31, 2026 — The City of Elkins Water Distribution Department (Water Department) seeks a Water Technician I, II or III to help manage the municipal water system at the plant located at 192 High Street Extension. This job […]
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Help Shape Elkins’ Future: Apply for Planning Commission Vacancy
ELKINS, W.Va. — July 27, 2026 — The City of Elkins seeks candidates to serve on its Planning Commission. The vacancy is for an unexpired term that ends on December 31, 2027. Full terms on this commission are for three years. The […]
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ELKINS, W.Va. — July 23, 2026 — At its July 23 meeting, Elkins City Council approved the first budget revision for Fiscal Year 2027, reallocating an additional $531,594 in surplus funds left unspent from Fiscal Year 2026. Combined with the $686,183 in […]
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